Schaeffer still available Jan, Feb or March 20010 $1,600 per month plus cleaning and sales tax
Aquinas or Reagan suite still available Jan, Feb or March 2010 $1,800 monthly plus cleaning fee and sales tax
Augustine available Jan, Feb or March 2010 monthly plus cleaning fee and sales tax
Under the surface
Under the surface
By Betsy Clayton
bclayton@news-press.com
Southwest Florida snorkeling scenarios come in two basic versions:
• Locals go to the Keys for a summer vacation, realize snorkeling is fun, buy gear, then come home and want to find a nearby place to use it.
• Or tourists come to visit locals — figuring all of Florida is synonymous with the clear blue waters of the Caribbean — and they ask where to go snorkeling here.
Either way, the answer is the same.
“Snorkeling in this area is definitely limited,” said Peter William-son, an instructor and store manager at Scuba Quest in Cape Coral.
Summertime rain and runoff hamper water quality. Then wintertime storms have winds that whip up the sandy bottom.
Also, there’s a definite lack of structure near shore in areas that don’t suffer from strong currents or heavy boat traffic. (Remember, snorkelers are required to use diver down flags.)
But there’s always the occasional day when visibility isn’t a problem and an underwater wonderland is waiting.
It just won’t look like the kind on television and in magazines.
“Some people are avid snorkelers and have done the Caribbean and Hawaii, and I tell them at that point they won’t enjoy it here,” said Bill Warren, owner of Seahorse Scuba near Fort Myers Beach. “However, someone from Indiana or Ohio who’s never done it before? For them, it’s nice, it’s shallow, it’s calm.”
Whatever it is, one thing is certain: Finding a snorkeling spot is an adventure. It may take visiting the same place many times before its beauty comes to life for a snorkeler.
Take, for example, Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park in north Collier County.
The key is to park in the right spot. Go to parking lot No. 2. Wade out anywhere from 50 to 70 yards. In 8 to 12 feet of water, snorkelers can see vibrant colors in plants, sea squirts and soft corals, as well as abundant fish.
“I see people daily — it’s catching on,” said ranger Kathy White. “Bring your own gear and give it a try. (Water quality) depends on storms. It’s hard to tell how it’ll be.”
Moving up the coast, another location for snorkeling is at Lovers Key State Park, as well as at public beaches along Sanibel and Captiva. Consider it underwater shelling. Why not take a look at the Gulf’s treasures before they wash up on the sand and get pummeled by waves or picked up by fanatics?
Snorkeling for shelling is an option because “we just don’t have the reefs like in the Keys,” Williamson said.
For northwest Lee County, take a private boat or water taxi to Cayo Costa. Some locals dive Johnson Shoals on the island’s north end. Others snorkel at rocks about halfway between the bend at the middle of the island and the island’s southern tip. The rocks are about 50 yards off shore in 4 to 7 feet of water.
If you’re willing to drive, there’s always Venice Beach. Some snorkelers say this area was better before beach renourishment. Others still enjoy it because of opportunities to find fossilized sharks teeth.
Just about any of the municipal beaches in this Sarasota County town are OK to wade from shore. Try about 100 yards out. Don’t expect to see much sea life on this sandy bottom. The point here is to find those sharks teeth in the sand.
Farther north is a place called Point of Rocks on Sarasota’s Siesta Key.
It’s tricky to get to and there’s no public parking. But it offers views of dancing sergeant majors and tang, sauntering snook, and flashing schools of silversides. Plus, it’s easy to just walk from shore and be on the rocks.
From Interstate 75, take Exit 205 (old Exit 37) and go west on State Route 72 to Siesta Key. (You will cross U.S. 41.) Turn left on Midnight Pass Road. Go about a mile and turn right on Point of Rocks Road. The trail to Point of Rocks beach is at the dead end of the road. No parking is provided at the trail head, and it’s illegal to park anywhere in the neighborhood.
Sound like a hassle?
Well, there’s always that final option: Hire a snorkeling guide.
A few options can be found by trolling the phone book.
Seahorse Scuba, for example, takes snorkelers out for three-hour morning runs. The $45 fee includes the boat trip, gear and refreshments. Snorkelers see everything from tropical fish to goliath grouper.
Where does Warren take his customers?
A spot in San Carlos Bay he discovered in his 15 years in the charter business here.
And, no, he’s not going to reveal the location.
WaterFrontFortMyers.com-Pet Friendly-located on the Carolina Ave. canal with boat dock available and solar heated pool (Time Square area of Estero Island) and only 150 yards to the beautiful white sands of Estero Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Be in the Gulf of Mexico within 1 minute from our boat docks.WaterfrontFortMyers.com provides free bikes available upon request, free fishing on our docks, free wireless internet access, and laundry facility. We are located on the Carolina Ave. canal street facing Hooters Restaurant, and 300 yards away from the Beached Whale restaurant in theTime Square area of Fort Myers Beach . Our location is quiet and peaceful.
Mailing Address: 555 Paularino Ave L1009 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Property Manager Brian Kmetty: 239-851-3642
Reservation Phone Jamie Jones: 714-492-3463
CHECK-IN: Check-in time is after 3:00 P.M EASTERN TIME. During peak season some units may not be ready by 3:00 P.M. Your patience will be appreciated. Arrivals will find the lockbox combination on their front door knob. Please check-in at the Rental Unit you are assigned. If you discover any deficiencies in the inventory or damage to the property upon your arrival, it is your responsibility to immediately inform WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. so you are not held responsible for the cost of repairing and/or replacing same.
OCCUPANCY: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is very serious about maintaining a family atmosphere for the quiet enjoyment of all our guests. We will rent to families and RESPONSIBLE ADULTS over the age of 25, proof of age is required. The total number of persons allowed in the unit at any time is restricted to the stated limit for each property. Absolutely no house/pool parties allowed. Any violators will be ejected according to F. S. 509.141 and will be billed for any damages. Augustine suite max 6 people, 8 people with additional $100 fee per person per week, Aquinas suite max 4 people, Reagan suite max 3 people, and Schaeffer suite max 2 people.
FALSIFIED RESERVATION: Any reservation obtained under false pretense will be subject to forfeiture of any rental prepayments. Guests will not be permitted to check-in.
ABSOLUTELY NO PETS are allowed unless you receive permission (those units that do allow pets, which must be specifically requested in advance). The number of pets must be declared and no unit is to exceed one dog or one cat- pet breed must be identified. Exceptions are made on an individual basis for two dogs but this must be requested in advance. Additional refundable pet fee have been waived on those units that do permit pets for one dog. A $100.00 non-refundable pet fee is required before occupancy for those people who have been given permission for two dogs, plus an 11% tax will be added to the cleaning and administrative fees. At all times, pet owners are required to clean up after their pets. If any evidence of a pet (s) is found in your unit or on the premises without prior permission, you will be asked to vacate immediately with no refund of any payments.
UNIT ASSIGNMENTS: We reserve the right to change unit assignments at our sole discretion without prior written notice and without any refund, this clause rarely happening. When you confirm a reservation, a unit will be assigned, however, no request or a specific unit is guaranteed. If a unit change becomes necessary, every attempt will be made to contact you by mail with a new confirmation and/or by a telephone call.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: All on-line or phone bookings require an initial pre-payment of $300 - $500 via paypal or check. The final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival by paypal, cash, check, traveler's checks or bank money orders. All rates are subject to Florida state and local taxes. Should your personal check be returned for any reason, there will be a $35.00 returned check fee added to your balance.
HOUSEKEEPING: NO DAILY MAID SERVICE! Rates include housekeeping service only upon arrival/departure. Linens and bath towels are provided and are not to be taken from the unit. We suggest you bring beach towels. Housekeeping provides initial set-ups of paper towels, bathroom tissue, bath soap, trash can liners and may include single use dishwashing soap. The property is equipped with coin laundry located in the front of the complex facing Carolina Ave. If you wish to have additional service through your stay, we can accommodate this request for an additional charge.
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE: CHECK-OUT time is prior to 10:00 A.M. DO NOT LEAVE KEYS IN THE PROPERTY!
All keys must be returned to the Lockbox that is located on your front door knob, there is a $50.00 fee for each unreturned key. We ask that you leave the property neat and orderly. All units are inspected before and after each occupancy.
CLEAN-UP AT CHECK-OUT: Place all debris, garbage and discards outside in proper containers located on the left side of the parking lot if you are facing the complex from Carolina Ave. Soiled dishes must be placed in dishwasher and cleaned. Up to three loads of laundry are o.k. Don't make your bed (.you are on vacation until you get home). Unit must be left in a neat and orderly condition (there is a minimum $50.00 charge if extra cleaning and rearranging of the furniture is required).
All windows/doors must be closed and locked.
PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATIONS OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.
LOCKOUTS: If you lock yourself out of your property after office hours, you can call our emergency phone number 239-826-6460 . Our emergency service will either allow you back in for a cash fee of $50.00 or contact a local Locksmith to allow you back in the property. You will be responsible for paying any applicable fees directly to the emergency service or the locksmith at the time they come out.
CANCELLATIONS: Reservation prepayments will NOT be refunded unless the unit is re-rented for the same rental payment and time period reserved. If refunded WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. will retain $100.00 plus 11% taxes for a service fee. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your protection.
CANCELLATIONS OR EARLY DEPARTURES FOR ANY REASON (EXCLUDING MANDATORY EVACUATION) DO NOT WARRANT ANY REFUND OF PREPAYMENTS OR RENT. Room changes are considered the same as a cancellation since the properties are individually owned.
DAMAGES: Damages must not be the result of willful, wanton or grossly negligent behavior, or damages by a pet. WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. has the final judgment in all instances. You must furnish a credit card to be used as a line of credit in case damages are deemed intentional. PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATION OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.
INDEMNIFICATION OF DAMAGES: By taking occupancy of the property, you agree to WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. to have an equitable lien on your personal and real property, wherever located, to secure payment of costs relating to damages. Your further agree that WaterfrontFortMyers Inc.. may enforce its claim of lien against you by foreclosing on your real property and/0r obtaining a judgment against you. You acknowledge and agree that WaterfrontFortMyers Inc.. right to enforce such lien is not an unreasonable penalty or forfeiture.
UTILITIES: No compensation will be given for temporary outage of electricity, gas, water, cable or telephone service. Outages should be reported immediately and all efforts will be made to have them restored as soon as possible. The operation and maintenance of these utilities is out of the control of the owner/ WaterfrontFortMyers.
PHONE SERVICE: There is no charge for local calls. All units have a party line and long distance phone calls are blocked, No International calls allowed unless charged to your phone card. The phone number for all units is 239-463-2583 .
ITEMS LEFT IN UNIT: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is not responsible for personal items left in a unit. If items are found and you wish them returned, there will be a $ 35.00 service charge plus shipping costs.
FURNISHINGS: Our vacation rentals are individually owned and furnished.
· Please do not rearrange the furniture, take any items outside that are part of the interior décor, move any furnishings or kitchen items to another unit.
· You will be charged if we have to rearrange the furniture after your stay. The unit descriptions were correct at the time of printing, but subsequent owner renovations may have resulted in changes. Although every effort has been made for accuracy, WaterfrontFortMyers is not responsible for errors, for property changes made by the owners, or for any conditions beyond our control upon arrival.
· NOTE: Rental agent represents property to the best of his/her ability and assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Since the premises are privately owned, WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. shall be responsible for any additional furnishings not presently in the property.
· Renter expressly agrees to indemnify owner for any damages or costs to the premises, furnishings, equipment and household items therein, which occur during renter's occupancy excluding normal wear and tear.
· PLEASE NOTE: IF EXPENSES ARE INCURRED TO REPAIR DAMAGE, REPLACE MISSING ITEMS, PAY FOR EXTRA CLEANING OR ANY OTHER VIOLATION OF THE RENTAL POLICY AS A RESULT OF YOUR STAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO OFFSET EXPENSES AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.
PARKING: Please park in designated areas only. Parking regulations are as follows.
· Augustine unit has 2 parking spots allocated located on the furthest most left side on the parking lot (facing from Carolina Ave. towards the complex. These cars are to be parked back to back to each other.
· Reagan, Aquinas, and Schaeffer units all are allocated 1 parking spot
· No guest cars are ever allowed on our parking lot and will be towed at owner's expense
· $100 fine will be assessed against any guest who violated the parking agreement for guest cars parked in our parking lot.
· R.V.'s, Boats, motor homes, travel trailers, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, etc., are not permitted without prior approval and will be subject to towing. We do not have room in our parking lot for any of these items.
RULES AND REGULATIONS: All guests, as well as Owners, are required to conform to all rules and regulations. Violators are subject to ejection, according to Florida Statute 509.141.
REPAIRS: Our staff is here to make sure your vacation home is in the best condition that it can be. If you should discover otherwise, please report it to us immediately and we will correct it as quickly as possible; however no refunds will be given for appliance failure or other circumstances beyond our control. Please do not wait until you are checking-out to let us know about problems, as we no longer have the opportunity to rectify the situation. At times we must wait for parts or service. Please bear with us during these times.
NON-SMOKING UNITS: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside ALL rental units. You will incur any charges for carpet cleaning and deodorizing if any evidence of smoking is found in your non-smoking unit.
AGENCY DISCLOSURE: WaterfrontFortMyers Inc. is the agent of the property owner and is acting at all times, in and for the best interest of the owners. Agent will not be held responsible for acts of theft or vandalism or damages to the guest's personal property.
Please call for details or to reserve your dates. We are pet friendly, family friendly property. Free bikes provided upon request, two boat docks for fishing right at the property, pool, two boat docks
